---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 161.012-7"
title: "46"
number: "161.012-7"
heading: "Construction."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/161.012-7"
---

# §161.012-7. Construction.

- (a) Each light must be designed to be attached to a PFD without damaging the PFD or interfering with its performance.
- (b) Each light and its power source must be designed to be removed and replaced without causing damage to the PFD.
- (c) The storage life of the power source of a light must be twice as long as the period between the date of manufacture and the expiration date of the power source.
- (d) Each light, prior to activation, must be capable of preventing leakage from its container of any chemicals it contains or produces.
- (e) Each component of a light must be designed to remain serviceable in a marine environment for at least as long as the storage life of the light's power source.
- (f) No light may have a water pressure switch.
- (g) Each light must be designed so that when attached to a PFD, its light beam, at a minimum, is visible in an arc of 180 degrees above or in front of the wearer.
- (h) Each light, including its power source, must fit into a cylindrical space that is 150 mm (6 in.) long and 75 mm (3 in.) in diameter.
- (i) Each light, including its power source, must not weigh more than 225g (8 oz.).
- (j) Each light that is designed to operate while detached from a PFD must have a lanyard that can be used to connect it to the PFD. The lanyard must be at least 750 mm (30 in.) long.
- (k) Each light designed to operate while detached from a PFD must be capable of floating in water with its light source at or above the surface of the water.

## Notes

### Source

Source: CGD 76-028, 44 FR 38785, July 2, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 4302; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.